Waterfall Eclipse

Ceremony Discussions

Chapter Ninety-Five:

Ceremony Discussions

Rani diligently worked the first half of the morning without saying a word to her captain besides the basic greetings and answering his questions. She had a lot more on her mind besides her current duties, so when she answered her commanding officer's questions, they were one-word answers said in a lesser than curtly manor and she hoped he didn't pick up on it.

What she had hoped, however, wasn't true. Captain Kuchiki Byakuya had sensed something was up with his lieutenant after she answered his first question. He didn't pry. He didn't ask her anything besides what needed to be asked for work purposes. It wasn't the nature of the Squad Six commanding officer to delve into the personal affairs of others. That was all due to the way he had been raised, so Captain Kuchiki bit his tongue and waited.

"Captain?" Rani said grabbing his attention, although it was more like snapping him out of his trance.

"Yes, lieutenant?"

"Can I get your input about the wedding?"

Her captain put his pen down and looked at her intrigued. "What would you like to know?"

"Well, Captain Hitsugaya and I were talking last night about it. What do you think about the western styled weddings?"

"I have only heard of them. I have never witnessed one." "So yours was what everyone now calls 'traditional'?" "Yes. Tell me about the western style."

"Sure." She said surprised. "Well, a lot more people are invited. The bride and groom have what is called a bridal party with bridesmaids and groomsmen, and one from each side is considered a maid of honor and best man." She took a breath. "The ceremony is usually held in a church or, I guess, a shrine, or even other places, complete with vows and a candle lighting portion, where the traditional has the sake. And then a reception with the food is held, including a huge cake to feed all of the guests. There is also a flower girl and ring bearer, normally."

"That seems like a lot more to handle for you. You do realize that, right?"

"Yes, I guess so, but I know who I would want in my party. He's the one with the issues."

"Which style is calling to you more?"

"That's my problem. Both are."

"Let me think about it. For now, focus on work." "Sure." Rani replied.

At the end of the workday, Captain Kuchiki still had not given his input to Rani and she was worried.

"Tómasu, come to the manor this evening for dinner. Bring Hitsugaya as well." He all but ordered.

"Yes, sir." Rani complied and rushed home to pick up her kimono and hair comb before making her way to Squad Ten to surprise Toshiro.

"What in the world are you doing here?" He asked when she walked into the office unannounced.

"Well, we've been requested for dinner at the Kuchiki Manor this evening." "Last minute?"

"Yeah." Rani said sheepishly. "Captain Kuchiki told me as we were leaving. So, tonight you need to look – what?"

"I don't have anything else to wear besides this." He said as he pointed to the clothing he had on his back.

"That's fine. I need to change though. And fix the snag in your haori." "What snag?"

Rani walked over to him and picked up the white haori and showed him the snag, and ultimately a tear, in the fabric.

"Shit! How'd that happen?"